The Carmi Kiwanis Club met on January 4. Club President, Holly Healy, called the meeting to order. Member J.C. Tinsley introduced his guest, Carla Donoho, Director of Angels’ Cove Maternity at Baptist Children’s Home. Lance Barbre was the winner of the “Split the Pot” drawing.
President Holly Healy announced the board will meet Wednesday, January 10 at the Extension Office at noon. She also announced that suggestions for a theme for the 2018 Corn Day be submitted to her. Club member Rod Matselreported on the status of the new Corn Day car.
Club member Andrea Hays introduced the speaker, Kathy Johnson, the owner of Katz Kennel ResQ. Kathy is the mother of club member Kati Sturgal. Andrea met Kathy last year when she was looking for a companion for her horse Boaz.
Kathy has been involved in animal rescue for twenty years. She opened her own animal rescue in 2000. When she started her kennel, Kathy said she had no finances, but that God has continually provided all of the supplies and needs. Last year Kathy aided in the adoption of 534 animals.
The biggest problem, according to Kathy, is animal abandonment. She works with dogs who are 20 pounds and under. Currently she has 8 dogs and 13 puppies. Over the years, she has worked with local veterinaries and agencies who have been generous of their resources, greatly reducing the number of kills.
When asked what she finds most rewarding about her work, Kathy said it is seeing pets “go into new homes and arms.” Kathy is always looking for volunteers. Currently she needs a volunteer to take photos of pets to post online.
If the public would like to adopt a pet, they can call the kennel at 618.383.5253, or email Kathy at [email protected]. Pets available for adoption can also be found by searching Katz Kennel ResQ on petfinder.com and adoptapet.com. Her kennel is located in Dale near Dolan’s Lake (8857 County Road 1725E, Norris City, IL, 62869).
